Bangladesh’s 22nd President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, citing serious health complications, becoming the latest head of state to leave office before completing his constitutional term. His resignation letter was submitted to Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed on Friday afternoon.
Since independence, Bangladesh’s presidency has been shaped by assassinations, military coups, constitutional changes, mass uprisings, and political crises. Of the 18 individuals who have served as president in a full, acting, or in-charge capacity, 10 left office before completing their terms.
Shahabuddin joins a list of presidents who resigned, were removed from office, lost power through military coups, or left because of political disagreements, mass protests, or health complications. Two sitting presidents were assassinated, while only one died of natural causes in office.
Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury
Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s 3rd president, assumed office on January 12, 1972, after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became prime minister under the parliamentary system.
He resigned on December 24, 1973, before completing his tenure, reportedly following disagreements with the government on several issues. Mohammad Mohammadullah subsequently assumed the presidency.
Mohammad Mohammadullah
Mohammad Mohammadullah first assumed the presidency in an acting capacity on December 24, 1973, following the resignation of Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury. He was sworn in as the country's fourth president on January 27, 1974.
His tenure ended on January 25, 1975, when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to the presidency after Bangladesh adopted a presidential system under the Fourth Amendment and the formation of BAKSAL.
Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad
Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad assumed power following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most members of his family on August 15, 1975. He declared himself president and led the government for 81 days.
During the Liberation War, Mostaq served as minister for foreign affairs, law, and parliamentary affairs in the Mujibnagar government. After independence, he held several cabinet portfolios under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later became a member of the executive committee of BAKSAL.
His presidency ended on November 6, 1975, when he was removed from power in a military coup.
Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem
Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem became Bangladesh’s president on November 6, 1975, after Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad stepped down. He formally assumed office on November 8 and became the country’s first civilian president under martial law.
Sayem simultaneously served as Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) before relinquishing that role on November 29, 1976.
He resigned as president on April 21, 1977, citing deteriorating health.
Justice Abdus Sattar
Following the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman in May 1981, Vice President Abdus Sattar became acting president before winning the presidential election on November 15, 1981, securing around 66% of the vote. The election, however, remained controversial.
His presidency ended on March 24, 1982, when Army Chief Hussain Muhammad Ershad staged a military coup. At the time, Sattar declared that he was unable to continue performing presidential duties because of ill health, effectively relinquishing office.
Hussain Muhammad Ershad
General Hussain Muhammad Ershad assumed the presidency on December 11, 1983, after removing President Ahsanuddin Chowdhury from office.
During his rule, Bangladesh held general elections in 1986 and 1988, both of which drew criticism over their credibility.
As opposition to military rule intensified, major political parties united in a nationwide movement demanding Ershad’s resignation. He resigned on December 6, 1990, following the mass uprising, ending nearly 9 years of military-backed rule.
AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury
AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury assumed office as Bangladesh’s 15th president on November 14, 2001, but resigned on June 21, 2002, after around 7 months in office amid mounting pressure from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Party lawmakers reportedly threatened to impeach him over several issues, including his decision not to pay tribute at former president Ziaur Rahman’s grave on his death anniversary and not referring to Zia as the “proclaimer of independence” in an official message. His visit to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s mausoleum was also reported to have contributed to the party’s dissatisfaction.
Presidents who died or were assassinated in office
Bangladesh’s political history has also witnessed the deaths of sitting presidents while in office.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s first president, was assassinated along with most members of his family in a military coup on August 15, 1975, while serving as president.
President and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder Ziaur Rahman was assassinated during a military coup in Chittagong on May 30, 1981.
President Zillur Rahman remains the only Bangladeshi president to have died of natural causes while in office. Bangladesh’s 19th president died on March 20, 2013, while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.
Mohammed Shahabuddin’s resignation adds another chapter to the history of Bangladesh’s presidency, an office that has frequently been shaped by political upheaval, military intervention, institutional tensions, and health-related departures.
